Yankees Reliever Goes AWOL, Left Off ALDS Roster

The New York Yankees have made a roster decision for the ALDS that will likely please many fans, but the way in which it came about is a bit of a surprise. Beleaguered reliever Aroldis Chapman has been left off the playoff roster because of an "unacceptable excuse" for missing a team workout.

Chapman has apparently fled down to Miami, and simply didn't show up for a mandatory practice on Friday. Manager Aaron Boone called Chapman's excuse for going AWOL "unacceptable". The reliever now also faces team discipline. 

Boone did add that the reliever could possibly be considered for a spot later in the postseason, if the Yankees advance past the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS. But safe to say it's highly unlikely.

The 34-year-old had a disastrous year in Pinstripes, finishing with a 4.46 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP, as well as a dreadful 7 walks per 9 innings. He began the season as the team's closer, but after surrendering runs in six straight appearances in May and early June, he lost the job. 

The rest of his season was mediocre, capped off with the embarrassment of missing time toward the end of the season after getting an infection from a tattoo. 

Yankees fans are clearly thrilled that he will not be on the roster for the ALDS.

Chapman will be a free agent at the end of the season, and he very well might have thrown his last pitch as a Yankee. 

The Yankees will be banking on Clay Holmes, Jonathan Loasigia, Scott Effross, and Lou Trivino for the late-inning high-leverage work, while also having Clarke Schmidt, Domingo German, Lucas Luetge, Wandy Peralta and likely Jameson Taillon available. 

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